Have you considered opening an Etsy shop or selling your handmade items on Zibbet or even through a Facebook page? Well, you’re not alone! More and more artists and hobbyists have gone online to monetize their passions.
The handmade revolution has given rise to new creativity and more opportunities to generate income from your art. From completely customized items, to a unique handmade purse or bag. From vinyl shirts to embroidered jackets — anything and everything is up for sale!
Ideas for the Handmade Revolution
Custom Sewing
Put your sewing machine to work! Create custom clothing items for customers who want shirts, skirts, dresses or even baby items. We all know that stores can’t fit every body type (or even most body types), so offer custom items created to specific measurements.
What mom-to-be doesn’t love custom made baby items?!? You could create a line of fitted crib sheets in all the latest trends — elephants, giraffe, woodland animals, alphabet, etc.! Coordinating receiving blanket, bibs, and burp cloths could complete a set or be add-ons. Oh man, so many ideas for baby!
Knitting and Crocheting
Handmade scarves, hats and blankets are big sellers in the online marketplace. To the left is a picture of some mug mats — the perfect desk accessory! Wholesale yarn is relatively inexpensive, and depending on how quickly you can knit, you’ll be able to build up your inventory and spend more time marketing your store. Once you’ve mastered the basics of this art, you can move on to designing your own unique, colorful patterns. Don’t know how to knit or crochet? There are some great videos on YouTube to teach you how!
Baked Goods
If you frequently find yourself whipping up a batch of cookies to stave off boredom, why not get paid for it by opening a bakery? Find desserts that you can replicate perfectly every time, and accept orders online to deliver or ship to local areas. This is a great business to run in your spare time, as you can fill orders during evenings and weekends. The best part about being in the baked goods business? You’ll never find any shortage of volunteers to help you eat your mistakes.
You’d be amazed at the number of people wanting customized iced sugar cookies for their event. More than just birthday parties, we like to celebrate EVERYTHING — First Communion, Baptism, Teacher Appreciation, Holidays, Birthdays, Reunions, Anniversary, Baby Showers, Bridal Showers, yearly BBQ, etc.
Bags
Handmade bags can be made out of a variety of materials. Using recycled fabrics and other materials from around your home, create bags and purses in different sizes, styles and colors to appeal to a wide customer base.
Jams and Preserves
There are few foods that are easier to hand-make and package in large quantities than jam. With access to a steady supply of high-quality fruits and mason jars, you can go into the jam-making business in no time. First, build a repertoire of tried-and-true jam recipes. Then create branded labels and sell your goods online or at local fairs, farmers markets and events.
What do you think?
With all these great ideas, which one most appeals to your senses and talents? Need more ideas? Try visiting a local craft fair or farmer’s market? What is the event missing, what are people talking about that isn’t there? Remember, you’ll never know until you try!